Assessing the Yankees - Week 14

The first half of the season is officially in the books and the Yankees find themselves resting (though not too comfortably) in first place in the AL East. considering many didn't believe they had enough to compete, being in this position has to be very pleasing.

Top Performers 

Brett Gardner .302 10HR 42RBI 15SB - Gardner put up good numbers for the Yankees. He came up big for the club when Ellsbury went down, earning an All Star nod in the process. It appears investment the Yankees made in the farmhand last season is paying great dividends thus far.

Brian McCann - .259 14HR 55RBI After a sub-par first season in the Bronx, McCann has made up for his underwhelming debut with better production and top notch defense behind the plate. Not only has he nearly matched his total numbers for the entire season already, the veteran catcher also has the third best caught stealing percentage in the league (40%).

Mark Teixiera .240 22HR 62RBI - The average may not be stellar but the Yankees have to be pleased with his power and production numbers. As long as he remains healthy he will allow the team to enjoy continued success in the power hitting department and pace the middle of the order along with McCann.

Biggest Surprise

Alex Rodriguez .278 18HR 51RBI - No one could have ever imagines Rodriguez being a viable and valued part of the Yankees this season. Despite the controversy surrounding him and being away from the game for the better part of two years, he has shown up in a big way for the Bombers. Should he keep up this pace a 30 and 100 season should be well in reach (an impressive feat for a 40 year old.

Chasen Shreve 35.2 IP 2.02 ERA 27 K - The Yankees gave up one of their top pitching prospects (Manny Banuelos) in exchange for Shreve and he has so far fared pretty well out of the bullpen. It also helps that he went the entire month of June without surrendering a single run.

Low Performer

C.C. Sabathia 4-8 5.47ERA - This for sure is not the comeback season Sabathia was hoping for coming off of knee surgery. He has pretty much picked right up where he left off in 2014 and despite all of the changes to his approach, nothing seems to be coming together. With $50 million still remaining on his contract, the Yankees may need to look to other avenues to get the most out of the him or they may have to activate the $5 million buyout in 2017.

Biggest Disappointment

Stephen Drew .182 12HR 25RBI - Joe Girardi named him the starting second baseman before the end of spring training, and right from the start he struggled to collect hits. Despite his relatively high home run number Drew's batting average has yet to get to .200 (.191 is the highest it has been). Noe that Rob Refsnyder has been called up, Drew could find himself in a backup role or worse if he doesn't put together a big second half.

Analyzing the Knicks Free Agency Moves

              

As the free agency frenzy has passed, the Knicks emerged with a handful of new pieces that they hope will help change the culture and fortunes of the beleaguered franchise. Whether these moves will pan out is up to the success of Jackson's plan and the teams patience to see it through.



Robin Lopez 4 yrs $54 million - Lopez may not be the post up big man the team needs, but his intangibles and length fill a gaping hole that has been open for quite some time. His game can translate well to the triangle and he'll deliver a spark on the defensive end. Considering the contracts that DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol, and Greg Monroe were given, the Knicks may have a essential bargain (if you can believe it).



Arron Afflalo 2 yrs $16 million (2nd year player option) - This was the teams first move of free agency and a surprisingly fast one at that. Afflalo adds his sharp shooting touch and veteran defensive skills that can keep opposing guards as bay. For a team that struggle to get any real consistency from this position all season, he is a more than welcome upgrade.



Derrick Williams, 2 yrs $10 million - Williams brings a will and determination to the court similar to Quincy Acy. The former 2nd overall pick didn't have the most impressive season, but his effort alone made him an attractive candidate to Jackson. Defense is the primary impact he should have on the Knicks and at this juncture, they can use all the help they can get



Kyle O'Quinn (via sign and trade with Orlando) 4 yrs $16 million - This was a good move for New York, adding more depth to the front court. O'Quinn has many tools at his disposal and if used correctly, will be a ball of consistency on both ends. It also helps that he is a native New Yorker and has experience on the big stage going back to his time at Norfolk State where he helped defeat the No. 2 ranked Missouri Tigers in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Things won't turn around instantly for the Knicks, but these moves should get on the right track and build hope for better future.

Assessing the Yankees - Week 13

As another 3-3 week is in the books, the Yankees find themselves atop an embattled AL East with just a week to go before the All Star break.

The Good - The Yankees won successive games in walk off fashion over the Rays on Friday and Saturday. these types are not only good confidence boosters, they build a great camaraderie among the players while adding that special childlike touch that is often forgotten in the professional ranks. 

Though he did not get a decision, Michael Pineda had a strong outing Saturday striking out 10 in 7 shutout innings. After stumbling through the end of June, he seems to have regained the poise and command which propelled him early on. The pitching staff has been up and down as of late and a performance like this is just what the doctor ordered.

The Bad - It was not a good week for Stephen Drew as he was 1-12 (.083) showing no effectiveness whatsoever at the plate. In fact he and Jose Pirela had only one hit between the both of them over the last 7 games (1 for 27 combined). This cannot be sitting well with those still clamoring for Refsnyder to get a call up after losing out the both Drew and Pirela in the spring.

Mark Teixeira went 4 for 18 (.222) this week and is currently 5 for his last 31 (.161). Despite his late inning heroics Friday night, the hits have just not been coming with any consistency for the firstbasemen. He is an important piece to helping the Yankees expand on their slim division lead, so it is imperative he comes out of this slump quickly.

Assessing The Yankees - Week 12

With the completion of a so-so week the Yankees find themselves in the midst of what is sure to be a trialing stretch leading to the All Star break. Things are still as tight as ever in the division and with an important two weeks on the horizon, the team will needs to but it's best foot forward.

The Good - Ivan Nova's return to the Yankees was a successful as he pitched 6 2/3 shutout inning in his first start in since Tommy John surgery 14 months ago. He should provide great protection for the middle of the rotation, especially with Sabathia struggling to find any kind of groove thus far.

- Chris Young had a fantastic showing at the dish this week going 11 for 28 (.393) and getting timely hits when the team needed. This is a far cry from the tumultuous month he put together from May into early june, so this recent tear has to be a pleasant surprise for the fans and especially Joe Girardi. It also helped that he was back in his hometown of Houston with his family and friends rooting him on.

- For as good ans Young was this week, Brett Gardner was that much better going 13 for 26 (.500) and collecting a hit in every game. This hot streak is not only pacing the offense tremendously, it should garner him enough attention to warrant an All Star appearance. Jacoby Ellsbury will soon be on his way back and with Gardner hitting the way he is now, the dynamic duo could give the offense a huge boost.

- Chasen Shreve was extremely effective in his four appearances as he did not allow a single run. In fact the lefty has bot allowed a single run since May 22 collecting 16 strikeouts over that span. No one though much of him when he was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in January, but he has been a more than valuable asset to the Yankee bullpen.

The Bad - Tanaka followed up one of the worst starts of his early career with another poor outing in Houston. He once again surrendered three homers and could not keep the opposing bats at bay with any consistency. It does not appear that anything is structurally wrong with his elbow, so this could could definitely be mental, but nevertheless it does not male his recent poor performances any less concerning.

-  Joe Girardi made the decision to go with a 6-man rotation rather than demote a pitcher to the bullpen to make room for Nova. While this seems like a great idea that would give extra rest for Pineda and Tanaka (who they are understandably protecting), it could cause problem in the long run as the starters will have to alter their 5 day routines to compensate for the added day. The Yankees have instead recalled Esmil Rogers (designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A on June 13) and added him to the bullpen. One has to belive that a tough decision will need to be made once the All Star game comes or it may do more harm than good in the log run.

Assessing The Yankees - Week 11

             

After a tough 12-4 loss on Sunday, the Yankees finished of a 4-3 week that featured both very good and very bad baseball. With the division still hotly contested and an important west coast swing upon them, the team must look to gain ground and get themselves in good position by the All Star break.

The Good - Brian McCann had a stellar week going 10-26 (.385) and spraying the baseball all over the park. Since May 25 McCann is hitting a blistering 25 for 71 (.352) which is the best for on the club over that span. Combine that with his over .350 average with runners in scoring position and it is safe to say, all systems are go for 31 year old catcher.

- Beltran also out together a strong week, hitting .333 and slugging 3 homers (two in one game). Over the past month his once putrid batting average has started to creep back up into respectability, earning him more at bats and playing time he was not seeing for most of early season. It's a nice turnaround for a bedeviled aging outfielder whom many thought was no longer viable in any way, shape, or form.

 - Alex Rodriguez reached the coveted and exclusive 3000 hit club with a first pitch homer off of Justin Verlander. Not only did he become just the 29th member of the club, he also is one of only 3 players to hit a home-run to get there (the last being Jeter in 2011). Although the surrounding controversy around this achievement will forever be linked to Rodriguez and will most likely keep him from the Hall of Fame, you can;t help but be amazed at what he has done this year.

The Bad - It's been a hard luck year to be a Yankee outfielder as Mason Williams became the latest victim to go on the disabled list. His injury is not quite as sever as the others, but the revolving door will continue to move as Ramon Flores will assume the duty once more.

Nathan Eovaldi put up the shortest outing for any Yankee starter this season, lasting just 2/3 of an inning against his former club the Marlins. He surrendered 8 runs on 9 hits and looked helpless as to what to do on the mound. To top it off the opposing and winning pitcher in the drumming was David Phelps, the man whom the Yankees traded to acquire the hard throwing righthander, which could not hare sat well with Girardi or Bran Cashman. However Nathan did make up for it Saturday night with a much stronger showing against Detroit.

- Perhaps the Biggest surprise of the week was the poor showing from Masahiro Tanaka in the series finale Sunday afternoon. The Yankee ace lasted 5 innings giving up 10 hits and 7 runs (5 earned). His unfamiliar lack of plate command and pitch conviction was surely a shock for both the fans and the team alike. These kinds of games are bound to happen to best of pitcher in any season so hopefully this is just one of those anomalies. Anything similar to this in his next start could be a cause for alarm.

Assessing The Yankees - Week 10

                           

The Yankees played their second abbreviated week of the season, going 2-3 with the two wins sandwiched in between the three losses. They sit in a virtual tie for first in the East with Tampa Bay and now have a suddenly surging Blue Jays team creeping up the rear. It's going to take a lot more juice to keep the dogs off as the All Star break nears so a having winning records in any given week will be highly essential to get the upper hand.

The Good - Tanaka had another strong showing as he aided the Yankees to a win over the highly profiled Nationals ace Max Scherzer. Yielding just one run in seven innings, he's looking more and more like the pitcher whom took the baseball world by storm just a year ago. What's even more impressive is the efficiency he has showing on the mound since coming off of the disabled list, adding to his already stellar mound presence.

- Ivan Nova appears to be on his way back after his good showing in his Triple-A rehab game on Saturday. It'll be nice to get another arm to fill out the slightly broken rotation and give the bullpen some much needed help.

- Mason Williams got the chance to live his dream as the 23 year old made his major league debut in the series opener versus the Orioles. Williams delivered a two run homer in his second at bat, much to delight of his family and the Yankees alike, showing what he could bring to the table once fine-tuned. Though he only managed to get just the one hit, his fantastic range and speed in the outfield is quite a sight. With Flores, Heathcott, and Williams all showing some nice valuable traits, the battle for right field post Beltran is sure to be an intense and entertaining watch.

The Bad - The bullpen had a bit of a misstep this week as it allowed games to get away or out of hand. This led to the outright release of Esmil Rogers, whom sported a dismal 6.27 ERA in 18 appearances and hadn't had much of a significant role since April. The pen however did finish strong, putting up a solid combined effort in the finale against Baltimore, but I think it's best they don't put too many shaky performances moving forward.

- Perhaps the worst news of the week was the loss of Andrew Miller due to tightness in his forearm.  Not only was he having a career year up to this point, Miller had become a dominant presence in the closer role for the Yankees. The role now shifts to Dellin Betances, whom judging by his 0.27 ERA thus far should be more than capable of holding down this spot until Miller can get healthy.

Assessing the Yankees - Week 9

Sunday's victory capped a stellar week for the Bombers as they swept both the Mariners and Angels in three game sets.  The team looks to have rejuvenated itself at the turn of the calendar, giving notice that they are not to be taken lightly in the race for AL East Supremacy.

The Good - The Starting pitching was excellent, turning in quality nearly all week long. As has been said before, the pitching staff will be the deciding factor for the Yankees playoff hopes. With most of the AL East (other than the Rays) struggling to find consistency in their pitching staffs, the Yankees must make this the deciding factor that separates them from the rest of the pack.

- The return on Masahiro Tanaka was more than satisfying as he gave a superior performance in his major league first outing since April 23.  His impressive line (7 innings 3 hits 1 run and 9 strikeouts) and effortless command of the plate was surely a more than welcome sight for the club.  As long as his elbow holds up, the staff could be that much more dangerous.

- Brett Gardner put together a nice week going 8 for 26 (.307) and putting some very good at bats together. With Jacoby Ellsbury still on the shelf and not due back for another month, it will be up to Gardner to provide the spark from the leadoff spot. If he can get on a good streak, it will be all the more beneficial for Yankees.

- It was nice to see both Stephen Drew and Garrett Jones deliver offensively for the team as they have struggled for most of the season. Hopefully this wasn't just a small spurt of good fortune for the two and they can finally start to make some real contributions to the club.

The Bad - Chris Young entered the week marred in a terrible slump. Since May 3 he is 7 for his last 58 (.120) and showing little signs returning to his early season form which saw him hit .313 over the first month. While he has been able to provide some good defense in the outfield, he won't much more playing time if this poor streak begins to directly affect the teams overall performance

Assessing the Yankees - Week 8

                  

Everything started off nicely with an impressive sweep of the then red hot Kansas City Royals, ending their 6-game skid.  However, the good vibes would not last long as the Yankees dropped a four game set in Oakland, causing them to stumble to a 4-3 record.  Though this week was much better than the previous two, it still could have been a lot better.

The Good - It seems that Carlos Beltran has taken the harsh criticisms to heart as he rode a 15-game hitting streak right into the weekend.  So much has been made of what his role is on the team, so if he can continue to produce in a more limited capacity, there may just be hope for the 38 year old veteran.

- Alex Rodriguez is currently on a 9-game hitting streak of his own going 13 for 33 (.394) over that span.  He is having a pretty solid year thus far, which is a shock to many (including myself) whom believed he would be dead weight at the end of the bench.  A scout recently said that Rodriguez's swing is the easiest he's even seen from him, a nice sentiment considering the torment and trouble he has caused with his bat over most of his Yankee tenure.

- Adam Warren turned in two solid outings this week and looks to have earned back the trust of Joe Girardi as a capable starter in the rotation.  Not only did he get into the seventh inning both times, he was able to hold two impressive lineups to minimal production.  The Yankees are in dire need of a solid anchoring starter and Warren looks to have fulfilled his audition for it.

The Bad - CC Sabathia turned in yet another up and down outing that we have become all too accustomed to.  His inability to get past that one troublesome inning has been the achilles heel that he just can’t seem to shake, especially for the past three seasons.  With an ERA of 5.67 in 10 starts, the former Cy Young Winner has lost more than just his velocity.  Considering the $73 million still left on his contract, the Yankees have to hold out hope he will recapture his confidence or face yet another contractual disappointment.

- Stephen Drew is not making a very good case to continue playing for the Pinstripes. He has fallen into a deep 2 for 36 slump, which looks to have no end in sight.  Even though Jose Pirela will most likely get more playing time to counter this, there is no guarantee he can completely pick up the slack.  Should this linger any longer than it has to, it may be time to part ways with Drew and go for a younger, more capable hitter like Robert Refsnyder to put a spark in the